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Dietary supplement

Wild Yam Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Wild Yam is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, hormone balance (popular belief).Based on those ingredients, 41 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Wild Yam Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Wild Yam by Pure Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: wild yam root extract. Wild yam has been used traditionally for a range of purposes, but the evidence supporting many of those uses remains limited or unclear.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Wild Yam's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: relieve occasional menstrual cramping.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual pain, Period cramps.
  • The closest evidence on file: Wild Yam is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dysmenorrhea (Natural Medicines).

The evidence on wild yam is mixed and incomplete. For menopausal symptoms, it's rated possibly ineffective — meaning the data doesn't show it works well for that purpose.

For gallbladder disease, sexual dysfunction, period pain (dysmenorrhea), and infertility, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it either way. If you're considering wild yam for any of these concerns, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the science actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Wild Yam

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Wild yam is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth in the short term. The most common side effects are fever, headache, upset stomach, and vomiting — especially at higher doses.

Rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) has been reported. One case report described vision loss in someone taking a combination product that included wild yam, though it's unclear whether wild yam was responsible.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend wild yam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — the facts advise against use in both situations. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied either, so stick to short-term use if you do take it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Wild Yam

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Wild Yam.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 41 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take estrogen-based medications — hormone therapy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy — check with your pharmacist before adding wild yam. It's rated a Moderate interaction and could change how your hormones work.

No other medication interactions are documented for this ingredient, but that doesn't guarantee there are none.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Wild yam might work for some people, but the evidence for most uses is weak or missing. If you take estrogen-based hormones or birth control, check with your pharmacist first — wild yam could interfere.

For pregnancy, breastfeeding, or long-term use, talk to your doctor before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Wild Yam, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 279245
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Women (not pregnant or lactating), Girls: (All), Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Wild Yam by Pure Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Wild Yam Root Extract1832 mg--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Helps to relieve occasional cramping associated with menstruation.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.

Discontinue use and consult with your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children

Contains: Wheat

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

See for yourself

Wild Yam by Pure Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Wild Yam by Pure Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wild Yam Root Extract

Interacts with
41 drugs
1832 mg per serving Form: Dioscorea villosa Root Extract

Wild yam is a root traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, cramps, and as a so-called 'natural' hormone supplement, but solid human evidence for t...

Wild Yam Root Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Wild Yam by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Wild Yam?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
41Drugs
41 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Wild Yam with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Wild Yam Root Extract1 drug type · 41 drugs

Estrogens

Theoretically, wild yam might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen.
Wild yam root shows estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in vitro. Theoretically, wild yam might interfere with hormone therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Wild Yam, from the product label.

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wild Yam by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does Wild Yam by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Wild Yam has a known interaction with 41 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Wild Yam contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does wild yam actually help with menopausal symptoms?
The evidence suggests it doesn't work well for that. It's rated possibly ineffective for menopausal symptoms, so there are likely better-studied options to discuss with your doctor.
What are the most common side effects?
Fever, headache, upset stomach, and vomiting — especially if you take higher doses. Most people tolerate it okay, but these effects can happen.
Is wild yam safe to take long-term?
Not sure. It's likely fine for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been studied well. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, talk to your pharmacist first.
Can I take wild yam if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, there isn't enough safety data to recommend it in either situation. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you.
What is wild yam actually supposed to do?
It's been used traditionally for various things — period pain, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and gallbladder issues. But the evidence for most of those uses is either weak or missing, so it's hard to say whether it really works.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Wild Yam label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Wild Yam's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Wild Yam 7 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
  3. Cheong JL, Bucknall R. Retinal vein thrombosis associated with a herbal phytoestrogen preparation in a susceptible patient. Postgrad Med J 2005;81:266-7.. PubMed
  4. Rosenberg Zand, R. S., Jenkins, D. J., and Diamandis, E. P. Effects of natural products and nutraceuticals on steroid hormone-regulated gene expression. Clin Chim.Acta 2001;312(1-2):213-219. PubMed
  5. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, and et al. Antioxidant activity of Dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sciences 1996;59:L147-L157.
  6. Zeng M, Zhang L, Li M, et al. Estrogenic effects of the extracts from the Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposite Thunb.) and its effective compounds in vitro and in vivo. Molecules. 2018 Jan 23;23(2). Pii: E11. PubMed
  7. Lu J, Wong RN, Zhang L, et al. Comparative analysis of proteins with stimulating activity on ovarian estradiol biosynthesis from four different Dioscorea species in vitro using both phenotypic and target-based approaches: implication for treating menopaus

See these in context on the Wild Yam monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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